Buenos Días! Here are the highlights for Monday, 19 May.
Flood Recovery
Many residents still suffer anxiety and panic after last October’s floods, especially during rainy periods.
Anxiety, guilt, avoidance, panic at the rain: the psychological trauma left by the DANA – Valencia Plaza
New court evidence shows the flash flood created a “tsunami effect.”
Report estimates flood reached 4 meters in Paiporta: “They weren’t prepared for a flash flood” – Valencia Plaza
Satellite images show the October flood ended Valencia’s drought but also changed the landscape—encouraging greenery in some areas, while leaving mud and debris in others.
A year after the DANA, Valencia’s landscape turns green again—according to Sentinel-2 satellite images – Levante-EMV
Blackout Investigation
There’s still no official cause for the nationwide blackout, but new evidence focuses on power companies in southern Spain.
Government shifts spotlight from blackout origins to private power companies – Las Provincias
Valencia Economy
S&P downgrades Valencia’s credit outlook due to stalled financial reform.
S&P lowers the rating outlook of the Valencian Community for lack of financing reform progress – Valencia Plaza
City Council to raffle €100 shopping vouchers to boost the local economy.
València launches €100 shopping voucher campaign to support local business – Valencia.es
A street in El Carmen has become a base for the informal scrap metal trade, neighbors say.
“Urban harvesters”: the rise of scrap metal scavenging in Valencia – Valencia Noticias
Housing Shortage
Only 4,000 apartments are currently for sale in Valencia, despite record demand.
Number of apartments for sale in Valencia plummets as housing prices surge – Levante-EMV
New buyers can receive up to €10,000 to buy a home in rural towns at risk of depopulation.
Want a charming town house near Valencia? The government will give you €10,000 to move there – El Español
Transportation
Valencia’s City Council will soon choose the final design for the future Central Station boulevard.
Discover the future boulevard leading to Valencia’s Central Station – Valencia Extra
Copper cable theft near Algemesí disrupted train service to Benifaió—second such theft in recent weeks.
Copper theft near Algemesí causes train delays on C2 line to Benifaió – À Punt
Changing City
The City Council reveals more details on new design for Plaza Ayuntamiento—fewer trees and no statue to preserve mascletà visibility.
We want a modern European-style Plaza Ayuntamiento, says City Council – Levante-EMV
One woman protests construction of tourist flats in her building by occupying the site.
Resident protests tourist flat renovations: “I’m defending dignified housing where we can sleep at night” – El País
Many historic Valencia buildings sit empty or underused—often due to red tape or delayed renovation permits.
The grand but unused buildings of Valencia – Levante-EMV
Culture Corner
Spain is disappointed after Melody failed to place in Eurovision—despite a strong start and national support.
Melody stirs drama at Eurovision, forced off stage by organizers – Las Provincias
Why can’t Spain win Eurovision? – Las Provincias
RTVE issues official complaint over Eurovision voting – Las Provincias
Summer is officially here—the beach bars (chiringuitos) at Patacona are now open!
Patacona beach bars are back! Locals welcome the summer season – Levante-EMV
Casa Quitin in Burjassot wins the national prize for Spain’s best traditional baguette sandwich.
Bar in Burjassot serves the best traditional sandwich in Spain – Las Provincias